What You Should Know About Cavities and Genetics

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Did you know that there are people who don’t brush their teeth but still don’t get cavities? Other brush and floss their teeth regularly, but still find themselves fighting tooth decay. Sadly, some people are more vulnerable to cavities than others are, but did you know that you could be more vulnerable to tooth decay because of genetics?

Still, while there are a number of reasons you could be more vulnerable to tooth decay, would you be surprised to learn that crowded teeth are a major contributor? You see, some people’s teeth don’t erupt properly, which can result in crowded teeth. Crowded teeth can actually lead to serious problems, such as an uneven bite. If your teeth are crowded, you may not be able to clean your pearly whites efficiently. As you may know, bad bacteria and plaque can lead to decay.

Your genetics can also influence how hard, or how soft, your teeth are. As you may have guessed, the harder your enamel is, the more protected your teeth are. Unfortunately, if your enamel is too soft, there may not be anything you can do to address the issue. In other words, if you suffer from soft enamel, you’ll be more likely to get a cavity.

Naturally, if you enjoy sweets—which can also be associated with genetics—you’ll also be more vulnerable to cavities. If you frequently crave sugar, and if you eat too many sweets, you’ll create an environment where bacteria can grow—which can promote cavities.

If you’re interested in learning more about cavities, or about how you can treat them, please don’t hesitate to contact The Art of Dentistry at 810.653.3503. Dr. Ronald A. Williams and our team will be happy to answer any questions you have. We look forward to hearing from you soon.